Chapter 2 Administrative and Traffic Laws

Notes and Study Guide

Administrative Laws

Right-of-Way Rules

Speed Limits

Risks

What Is An Administrative Law?

Administrative laws govern the procedures for issuing driver’s licenses,learner’s permits, and registering & titling motor vehicles.

Administrative Laws help you to:

Get a driver’s license by: Taking & passing the knowledge, vision and road

tests Paying the fees at each step of the process. The State has the authority to suspend or revoke

your permit or driver’s license. A suspension is for a specific period of time, usually

30 to 90 days and must be less than 365 days. Revoked means the state takes away your permit or

driver’s license for a year or more. After the specified time is complete, you may apply

for a new license, after meeting all the criteria.

Administrative Laws Continued…

Violations in the Point System: Various traffic violations cost a number of points,

depending on their seriousness The points are put on the driver’s record If a driver has been suspended, and continues to get

points after they start driving again, they can have their license revoked

Some violations are so serious the driver can have their license revoked immediately on the spot

These very serious violations include: driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, leaving the scene of an accident where there has been an injury and using a vehicle in a crime

Administrative Laws Continued

Certificate of Title: State issues title when

you buy a car Title proves you own

the car Anyone selling a car

must supply the title to the buyer or loan agency

The title lists the name of the owner, the make, style, VIN, and the engine number of the car

Title is NEVER to be kept in the car!

Vehicle Registration:

When you purchase a car you must register it with the state

You’ll receive a registration form and license plates simultaneously

You must provide the name of your insurance company in order to get a registration

It must be renewed every year or every two years

Registration must be kept in your car

Administrative Laws continued:

Insurance:You must show you

are financially able to pay for damages you may cause if you are in a crash which may result in death, injury, or property damage to yourself or others.

In NJ you must purchase liability!

What Is The Right-Of-Way?

• As a driver you will have to yield the right-of-way, or let others go before you go. Give them immediate use of the roadway.

• Never assume you have the right-of-way, it is always given to someone.

• Right-of-Way laws protect drivers from collisions

• Right-of-Way laws are the same in all states.

When Should You Yield the Right-of-Way? Any emergency vehicle, with lights and/or sirens on.

People who are blind and are carrying a white cane or using a guide dog, no matter where they cross.

Yield to any pedestrians at crosswalks.

On a non-divided highway, all drivers must stop when a school bus is loading or unloading children.

When signaling a move left or right into a lane being used by other drivers.

Yield to any vehicle that is passing or appears to be so close that it presents a danger.

TYPES of speed limits

Posted speed limits - you can not safely drive faster or slower, than the shown speed.

A fixed speed limit is the maximum and minimum speed you can drive. You can never legally drive faster then the shown speed. If you drive faster than the limit, you can be issued a ticket.

You can also be ticketed for driving too slow. Slow drivers can cause traffic tie-ups and congestion.

OTHER TYPES OF SPEED LIMITS

Advisory speed limit warns you to adjust your speed on roads that are not straight or flat. Sharp curve warning sign combined with a square yellow speed limit sign advises you of the maximum speed for that curve. It is highly recommended to obey.

Some states have day and night speed limits. They may lower the speed limit at night because it is more dangerous to drive at night.

Basic Speed Law:Basic Speed Law:

All states have a basic speed law in their traffic laws. No matter what the posted speed limit is, the law states to always drive at a speed reasonable and proper for existing conditions.

All states have a basic speed law in their traffic laws. No matter what the posted speed limit is, the law states to always drive at a speed reasonable and proper for existing conditions.

High Risk Behavior Examples:

High Risk Behavior Examples:

Inattention & distractions - are the leading cause of crashes - such as eating, drinking, tuning on the radio, talking to others in vehicle, texting or talking on the cell phone

Aggressive driving - such as speeding, running red lights or stop signs, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, unsafe passing

Reckless driving - endangering other drivers by improper driving acts, such as driving under the influence, sleeping while driving, failure to yield right-of-way

Inattention & distractions - are the leading cause of crashes - such as eating, drinking, tuning on the radio, talking to others in vehicle, texting or talking on the cell phone

Aggressive driving - such as speeding, running red lights or stop signs, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, unsafe passing

Reckless driving - endangering other drivers by improper driving acts, such as driving under the influence, sleeping while driving, failure to yield right-of-way

Maintain a Responsible AttitudeShow responsibility and respect to

self and other while drivingBe courteous to other roadway

users, even if you are angryConcentrate on driving safelyMaintain a calm demeanorKnow the consequences of your

actions!

ROAD RAGE A phenomenon that

affects all drivers - not just men

It’s an emotional crisis which happens behind the wheel

It can be prevented! 27% of all accidents

are a result of it. There are ways to

prevent/handle road rage …….

Expect people to make mistakes

Know mistakes can be unintentional

Delay driving Have patience Breathe deeply and

count to 10 Turn on music Never challenge or

make eye contact with someone already raging

Report aggressive driving by calling *77.

Some ways to tame your own ROAD RAGE Remember driving is not a competitive sport. Stay alert and check side and rearview mirrors Take a deep breath and safely get out of the way Allow plenty of time and recognize anger will not

get you there faster or clear up traffic It is not your job to change other people’s bad

habits You can only control your own attitude to avoid conflict.

Places to go if you are a victim of ROAD RAGEPull off the nearest

exit that is well lit and in public area

Do not get out of the vehicle

Call 911If you do get out

your vehicle yell FIRE

Go to a hospital or police station

Ways to avoid being a TARGET of Road Rage Do not make obscene

gestures, even if someone makes them at you

Use your horn only when necessary - do not be obnoxious

Do not switch lanes without signaling

Do not take up more than one parking spot

Turn down your radio so you do not distract others in nearby cars

Never tailgate

Unless you are disabled, do not park in a space reserved for the disabled

Make sure your door does not hit the car parked next to you

If you are driving slowly pull over and allow traffic to pass

Avoid stopping in the road to talk to a pedestrian

or other driver